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A Culinary Hug: Why This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is Your New Comfort Food Obsession

A Culinary Hug: Why This Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni is Your New Comfort Food Obsession
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This creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni combines rich flavors, tender pasta, and a perfectly balanced spice mix for a hearty, comforting meal. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a touch of cream and Parmesan make this dish a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 ½ lbs Italian sausage (or 1 lb for less sausage)

  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole or crushed tomatoes

  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

  • ¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)

  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage and vegetables:
    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 7–8 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat, and cook 7–8 more minutes until browned.

  2. Cook the pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Prepare the sauce:
    Add canned tomatoes to the sausage mixture. If using whole tomatoes, blend until smooth. Stir in basil, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes.

  4. Make it creamy:
    Stir in heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.

  5. Combine pasta and sauce:
    Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, stirring to coat. For a thicker sauce, let simmer an additional 10 minutes.

  6. Serve:
    Plate the pasta and garnish with remaining ½ cup Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Sausage options: Mild or spicy Italian sausage works. Remove casing for easier cooking.

  • Blending tomatoes: Smooth sauce is creamy and rich; chunky sauce works too if preferred.

  • Prep ahead: Dice onions and garlic, and slice herbs before cooking for a faster process.

  • Cheese: For extra flavor, add some Parmesan directly on the plate when serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/a-culinary-hug-why-this-creamy-italian-sausage-rigatoni-is-your-new-comfort-food-obsession/